•
a I
NOVEMBER
193~
,,
Matilda"
An Official Treasure Bag of Guiders' Information for Guider.s of Victor:a, AustraUh. Price: 3/路 Per Year; 4/路 Pos(ed.
Single Copies, 6d. each.
Editor: E. H. PURNELL, Guide Headquarters, 60 Market Street, C.l.
VOL. XVI.
November, 1939.
EDITOR OF MATILDA. lUiss E. H. Purnell has agreed to be Editor of Matilda for tfle next six months anll possibly for longer, we hope so. '1'he Matilda Committee welcome Miss Pu rne ll and hope that she will enjoy hcr n ew job in the Movement, we know that M::ttilda is glad to be in her capable hands. -S.H.I.
---:0:--The following message has been received by Lady hauvel from H.R.H. Princess Alice, Pres ide nt of th e Overseas Branch and Commissioner for the Dominions. "The chance to help in the fight for freedom and justice has come fir t to the Guides in Great Britain because they are ne::trest to the scene of action, and they have been sp lend idly helpful and r e liable. As Commissioner (or Overseas, I l,now all you Guid es in wliatever part of the great Commonwealth of Nations you may be living, are just as anx ious to play your part, a nd I am certain will finc1 plenty or ways in \ 'h ich you can do so. but don't de ert your Guiding for war work unless yOUI' help is e. pecially n eeded. Remember the young will n eeu you r carc e\'er >.0 much more now when probably both their parents may be ng-aS'ed in war work of some sort. It is no use fightin g against Hitlerism if wc allow th e new gen erat:on to grow up without religion, good princ ip les or discipline. Thes(' ideals are the ver y foundation of OUI' Guide Movement, and it is on i uch a foundation a lone that we can hope to build a new and happier world-a world in wh ic h peace and goodwi ll shall prcvail against the forces of cruelty and injustice. (Signed) A LICE l\JARY. ----:0:----
MEMORANDUM. The following memorandum has also been received:G u 'den; and Guides all o\'er the Empire will want to know the arrangements that have been made by Imperial Headquarters for them to assist in National Defence, G uide people of all ages helped with the evacuation; meeting the Children, helping to carry
No.5.
their luggage and :-ettle in, and in some caseR even taking over and equipping empty bouse:for their reception, Headquarters could not bave a ny central scheme owing to the very varied needs of different p"-rts of the country but Guides were greatly in demand and helped all local emergency organisations, in most cases sending their offer" of aHsistance through their own Com路 missioners, Many Guiders have joined the Auxiliary Territorial and Fire Services; othe l's belong to V.A.D, Detachments, Sea Rallgel's are helping with the Rivel' Ambulance Service, and Guides have acted ::ts me~sengers, helped to filled sand bag!";, etc.
Reports have been received of the quiet efficiency of members of our Movement and some Gervices nre asking new volunteers whether they have been Guides. Although these activities will take u p much of the Guiders' time, we ask them to remember that Guid e Tmining for the children is more than ever needed and every effort shou ld be made to keep companies go ing and train recruits. ------:0:--------
WHAT CAN WE DO? (From the Soulh Australian "Adventurer.") On Sunday, 17th September, Miss Martin VOiced the question uppermost in aU our minds during Guides Own in camp at "Glenbarr," She offel'ed u s "a few suggestions" which we print here briefly and in note form feeling that if we as Guiders and Rangers can accept them and act upon them we will be doing a great deal. to help pres I've thosp things we hold most dear-which m:lke life \\ ortll living. A FEW SUGGESTIONS! Dc l' c \'e that the efforts towards peace during th bst twenty-one years have not, in spite of their appare nt failure, been in vain-that no good effo rt put forth with the right motive ever fai ls tn pl'Oduce its proper result. R('frain from blame, "Judge not," Our Lord on the Cross, suffering the worst death wbich His enemies could inflict 路 said, "Father forgive. them for they know not what they do,"
4
MATILDA
1.' ,,'e profess to be Christians we cannot select the p::trts of Christ's teaching which suit us and ignore the rest. Hefrain from bitterness. The spirit of the people is less bitter against the enemy now than in the last war, but bitterness can easily develop. It may be that we can do little but "BE." If families cannot live together in peace, if committees and organisations cannot agree on a policy. how can we expect the nations, made up of such individuals, to understand each other? Tt·y, therefore, to see the other persons point of view. Having seen it, try to be tolerant of it. Be really co-operative, really friendly and helpful , ('ultivate goodwill. Endeavour to live in the present. The difficulty now is to avoid yearning for the past, and longing for the future when the war will be over. Either of these means a dissipation of energy, a failure to appreciate what the present holds of good, and a f!lilure to build for the future because what the future will be always depends on the present. Perhaps life has been too easy for some of us. Perhaps we have taken material 'well being for granted and been spiritually asleep. Accept then the lesson that war anu aU its anxieties and discomforts may have to teach us. Mo"t difficult of all-CARRY ON! There may be a temptation to mark time in Guiding because one has not the heart to put much effort into it, but real Guiding is needed even more than before. The children must be helped to refrain from blame and bitterness because all that evil would be built into the future. The Guide Promise and Law must be made more real than ever before co that the generation now growing U[, will be understanding and tolerant and full of goodwill. For ourselves it is hard to live as fully as we ought and we are tempted to be content with mere existence till happier times return. Anyone can go ahead When all is well but carrying on when things are hard is worth while. "It is not life that matters" says Hugh Walpole in "Fortitude." "but the courage we bring to it." Let us then face the unhappy present with calm and courage determined to live in it as fully as we can, and let us pray that the Kingdom may come and that we may be helped to ' understand and to play our part in its coming. ----:0:---
VICTORIAN GUIDES WAR WORK. Since Walkabout, we have had a steady flow of oTders from Guide centres allover Victoria and our work for evacuated children is proceedfng q\lickly and smoothly.
November, 1939.
6,200 yards of woollen material has been cut out and over 600 lb. of knitting wool distributed. Much of this is still being made up, but enough finished articles and donations have come in, to enable us to despatch about 1,200 garments to England. The Guides in Great Britain have undertaken the distribution of this clothing and they will decide where it is most urgently needed. OUl' financial position seems secure, provided a steady income is derived from donations and local efforts. In round figures, we owe or have a lready spent £1,030. Of this £10 was for stationerY and £2/14/for otflce equipment, the remainder being spent on materials. We have received in donations and from Walkabout £1,572 so that our credit balance at the bank is £542. -Po M. RUSSELL. ---:0:----
REPORT ON RED CROSS GUIDE COMPANY, 30/ 9/ '39. Number of registered members .. . . .. 145 Those prepared to serve outside own State 14 Those prepared to serve in the vicinity of their own homes 131 Trained MembersSt. John's 1st Aid . . . . . . . . . . 17 Senior Home Nursing .. .. .. 2 Cookery .. 1 RV.T.N.A. .. . . .. .. .. .. 1 v'A.D. " .. .. .. .. .. 2 Gas Trained .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . 26 Classes now being held. No. Attending St. John's 1st Aid, Northcote .. 23 Malvern .. 30 Preston .. 25 Senior Home Nurs ing at G.H.Q. 23 Willing' to be Blood Donors 37 Transport .. . . 4
---:0:----
W.V.R.N.S. i think there bas been a feeling amongst those wl,o enrolled on the yellow 'V.V.RN.S. forms that they have not yet been asked to do any definite work. We enrolled. 9.S you know. to give the Defence Department an idea of the potential strength of A ustralia's woman-power in any emergency of national importance-whether it be fire, flood, famine or war. When we enrolled we were prepared to g ive our services to the Defence Department if and when we were called upon and until that time we are free to do as we will. The yellow forms are filled alphabetically and a card index has been made from them this i
November, 1939. kept up to date and is constantly changing with changes of address or being added to as the girls enrolled gain further qualifications in their chosen branch of service. It seems improbable that tht! women of Australia are to be organised on similar lines to those of Great Britain or France, but if we are called upon the Guides here are ready. Amongst them are many specialists. transport drivers, interpreters, map tracers, textile machinists, farm workers. etc., who will, no doubt. be called upon first. Those of us who enrolled under Class A are probably already helping' with the Guide War Appeal and I feel the rest of us should carryon our normal lives till we are wanted. It must not be forgotten that Guiding is going to help the present day child"en to take their place as citizens of whatever kind of world emerg'es from this war. -P.M.R. ------:0:--------
ALL-DAY PICNIC AT THE GUIDE HOUSE. A Christmas Picnic for all Guides will be held at. the Guide House Property on Saturday, 9th December. It is hoped that all Companies and Packs will be repre~ented, and bring their relations and friends. Districts are asked to org'anise their own transport, and to let tbe Convenor know by 2nd December the approximate numbers expected, so that necessat'y arrangements can be made for hoL water, etc. Watch the papers fOl' further details. -M. R. FAIRBAIRN, Convenor. ------:0:----
THE WALKABOUT. ow that the 'Walkabout is a thing of the past. and we are able to look back on it with pleasure as a great success, I want to congratulate the Walkabout ommitlee, Commissioners, Guiders and Guides on the thought, work and imagination which were put into it and which produced not only a splendid financial result, but the kind of handcraft exhibition which. I think we will find, has interested many of the public in Guiding. Also, ap:ut from any question of handcraft training, I found that people were impressed by the co-operation which they realised must have been forthcoming throughout the Movement. I think most Guides regard that co-operation as one of the happy features which we know and rely upon in the Guide Association, so it was pleasant to hear other people commenting upon it. It was, also, I thought, a very pleasant thing tosee how much our Brownies and Gu ides en)o>,e!J. their visits to th·! Walkabout.
MATILDA
5
The financial result is now £920/19/4 and we are to receive a return of about £80 of the rent from the Town Hall, which will bring the amount to £1,000/19/4. lL has been decided to apportion one-third of this amount to the Red Cross, and two-thirds to the war work which Guides are tloing (providing warm clothing for ch ildren from evacuated areas). Once again, congratulation" to you all. I am so glad th!l.t all your hard work resulted in the Walkabout being such a great success. and such a happy and pleasant Guide function from start to finish. SIBYL CHAUVEL, Slate Commjssioner. --------: 0:
Walkabout at Melbourne Town Hall From 25th September, 1939RECEIPTS. Stall Takings .. £1324 Less Refunds to Extensions .. . . · . 12 Donations . . . . ·
7 11 9
6
. ·. ..
£1311 18 5 23 6 0 £1335
4
5
PAYMENTS. By Rent-Town Hall · . · . . . £240 0 0 Erection of Stalls-Cou rtn ey 129 2 6 Posters .. . . . . . . . . . . 14 3 6 Freight and Cartage · . 5 4 6 Gmtuities .. . . . . 5 0 0 Electric Light . . . · . 4 6 0 Poster Prize .. . . . . 3 3 0 2 19 6 Use of Amplifiers . · . Installation and Hire of Urns, etc 2 5 0 Tea Room Expenses .. . . 2 0 0 Postages . . · . · . . . . . . . .. . . 1 18 8 Printing and Stationery 1 8 11 Advertising · . 1 7 6 \'Valkabout Folder Design 1 1 0 Bank Charge .. . . . . . . 0 5 0
· ·
£414
5
1
£920 19
4
Balance at National Bank of Australasia Ltd. £927 1 6 Outstanding Less Cheques . . . . 6 2 2
..
£1335
HELEN LITTLEJOHN, Hon. Treasurer. Melbourne, 18th October. 1939.
4
5
MATILDA
November, 1939.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -
GUIDERS' COMiVlITTEE. At the meeting on Friday, October 6th, all Metropolitan Divisions except NOl·th-E9.stf'rn ane' Croydon were represented. It was decided that the Comm ittee would en <low Conference Day, 1939, for The Guide House. The last meeting for tbe year will be held op Friday, Novem,?er 3rd, at 7.45 p.m., at Guide H.Q, when tbe retiring' members will welcomf' the oncoming Committee, so "Guider'S and Divi 'ional Commissioners, sec that your representative [or 1940 is elected, and if she is unable to .J.ttend tbat she is repre 'ented by her deputy." -MARY EWF,LL, Secretary. ----:0:
COMMEMORATING MISS MARTIN'S VISIT. 'l'ht' day cllosen by Miss Martin as thl' one to be endow d with the money g'iven by all Guiders and Range rs who had taken part in bel' trainings, is 28th June.
----:0:------
SAINT ANDREW. P.O.R. 35. Before completing the 2nd Class Test, the Guide should h9.ve been told the legend., of the Union Jack Saints. In the genera l rush and bustle of a Guide ompany it is so ea: y to overlook this section until perhaps a final check is being made as the Second Class Test nearR completion and then all tbe legends al'o told somewhat hastily. Does it not Eimpli fy maiters both for the Guider and the Guides if it becomes a Company tradition that the legends ar.:l alw,lYs told as near the day ,;ct aside [or each Saint, as possible '? As we broadly outline the programme at the beginning of e9.ch ye:lr, three nigbts are at once earmarked for learn :ng about the g reat men who are commemorated on our flag. The programme on those nights may ;tIEO include games and specia l times when the histol'Y of the flag is revised. Saint Andrew's Day d"aws nigh, Novembel' 30th. Although in the clause de~cribing the test tbe word legend only is used. legends are built on facts, and in this case. m e:.tn t, I believe, to include the facts. Unless wc u 'e as a basis a ll that we actuall y know. much of g reat value is lost, and th e saint is apt to r~nk in thc minds of some children with mythical beingf', or even with the Prince in the F9.iry tale. The three S t ints whose Crosses make up the Union Jack w e re men who were f"0 different in
1.I:~ny
\\'C1JS
S,. Georg'e, a soldier, St. Andrew,
a fi herman and St. Patrick. a tl:aCbel'. All so different-why has each bcco me a national hero? This, no doubt, is partly due to the legends which have gl'Own up ro u nd their n9.mel:' but the legends came only after these men had proved them~elves worthy of man's homage. If we cone cli'r the fit.cts fil'st we can eas:ly understand and use the legends which are so many and 10 varied. Andrew w~s a s impl c G~lilean fish e rm~n, a man accu3tomed to d ,piing with Natul'e at her nerce;,;i. when the un e P0cted storms c.PRccnded on the lake aI' when e ndur:ng th e inten:;c hcat of Palestine. He war; one of th ~ ea rli est disciples of our L ord and III tterly one of the twel\'e Apostle: . He had b ~e n pr€v:ously a di sc;ple of John t1.e Bap· tist. Very littl e is r~c ord ~ d of him 9.nd he iD mcntioned individuall y only four ti m cs in the ew Testament. Andrew was th e e?rikst di :;ciplc to "peak of Je U lo< as the Messiah (John 1: 40) and with what c:lge mess he shared th is knowledge with his broth el'. \Vh en the crowd had followed Jesus to the far side of tbe S ~a of Galilee where it was desert country and it wa!' almost evening and Our Lord Was desirous th~t the pecple should eat before settling out on their long wearisome walk back to the cities it was Andl'ew who knew that a lad was there who had five barley loaves and iwo fi shes. (John 6:8). \Ve read some Greeks. fOI'eigners in '" strange country wanted to :-;peak to Jesus !.Jut did not know how to appro:.tch Rim. It was Andrew who heard of their difficulty and took them to Jesus (John 12:22). Before the last week in JeruEa lem he went with Peter, Jameg and John ~Ol ' a private talk with Jesus. (Mark 13:3). From other sOUI'ces we learn that later Andrew went to Asia Minor and Greece teaching the people the new way o[ living and while in Greece suffered martyrdom on the peculiar form of Cross (X) whicb still bea rs his name Such brief g limpses of the man who lived so long ago, but they are I';ufficient to tell us something about him. Th!lt he h'ld physiCal strength, courage, endurance, kindliness, thoughtfulnesl5 fOI' others and a genuine intcrest 9.nd knowledge of people. I wonder how much of this was learnl on the Sea of Galilee as he watch ed the sky, the hill~ and the sea, thought of the haul'S spent with Jet·us, while living- his I fe as a fi s herman? Such brief glimpses of this man, a Si mpl e (il·herman. interested in ordinary things and ordinary p eople but 9. m~n of g reat courage, who h wing seen a vision of th e \V ay of LiCe was ,./ lling to lose even Uc itself for this great Adve nture. -E.H.P.
November, 1939.
Editor: Joan Alston,
THANK YOU Every member of the :extension Bl'anch would like to "tell the world" how grateful they are to Miss l"oott for a ll the time, thought and work she has so genel'ously given to us during the past nine rr.onths. Miss Campbe ll is again our Commission el', and Miss Foott, although very busy at hel' job, is still our Assis~ant Commissioner.
------000 - - - -
DID ANYONE SAY 'POST GUIDING' WAS DULL? Well don't beliel'e them- listen to what this V ictorian Post Company do es! "Have you ever had a 'l.'reasure ,Hunt in your Company Meeting Lettel'? \Ve decided we nee ded some excitement in the Company, and what is an exciting thing to do at any time? Why, hunt for buried treasure-so ofE we I, ent! It took up two and a half pages - quarto size-of the lette r. The first page was a story ab'o ut a band of explorers, and a full e:.p.anation of how to play the game. The second was the map of the isl a nd and the other half had small pietUl'es of I'arious tribes of cGl,nnibals, jungks, etc., tl1e pal'ty m et with on their journey. The map was vel'y simple. Any imaginary island will do ; we gave them a I'ange of mountains, dividing the island in half, two rivers, and a lak e and a lag·oon. We a lso put the eight points of the compass in one cornel'. The map can be coloured by the Guides, Th e exp lanation I;as as c lear as fool-pl'oor as we could malee it. A place was give n whe :e the party land e d. A story was told of their adventures, and the Guides had to mark in the route they thought the pal·ty followed, and
MATILDA paste the small pictures (these wel'e 'stick' figures and very elementary drawings) on the appropriate spots. Here is a part of our story: 'From thel'e go North East and camp ov er -ni g ht in ;Bruuma (It·ove. Ne.-t day go on North till you me t a band of Cannibals. '.rul·n back South East, camp over-night in the l>ine for'est and next day cross the Fraser Rivel', in which one of you I' companions is eaten In crocodiles, . , .' Th e words black al'e some of the things of which we had small dra \·; ings. By the position of thcse we could judge to some extent whether tho Gu id es had cOITectIy followed the compass points. Th e story should be e"citing to appeal to the Guides. W e had a glol'iouS mixture in ours -cannibals, pil'ates, elephants, el'ocod il es, swamps and jungles, and all th e party somehow suceu ::1bed befol'e the end! T'lls sche:ne could be s illlplified, or e labor ated to take up th e whole monthly letter. VOl' instance, it could include com petitions on pi l'ates 01' buried tr'easul'e; test work of firelightin g, Ir apping 01' traeh:ing signs, and a story of pir'.l.tcs 01' a famous explorel'. There is a d e finite amount of pl'eparation entail ed, but we felt it was qu ite worth it, both from the point of view of enjoyment and instr·uetion." MARY LAMBE.
-------000.-------
THE EXTENSION CAMP, Owing to acute financial difficulties (the Extension Fund being practicall y non-existent) and a staff shortage, it was thought that th Extension Camp would have to be abandoned. However, we had a meeting of the Camp Committee and it has been decided to hold it as previously art'angcd, but the numbe r's will h ave to be limited. JOAN ALS.T ON.
-------00 0,- - - - - - -
INFOR
,~ATI ON ,
regarding Post Brownies or r ec ruits wishing to join the Post Pack to be sent to: Mrs. Stevens, Flat 2, 27 Oale Street, Hawthorn, E.2. P lease include the following items: Child's name; address; u:;e ; religion; disability; general home infol' :~'a tion; name and a ddl'ess of possible Guide visitor, and hel' !'ank in the Guide Move ment, A.S.
8
MATILDA
November, 1939.
(Editor: Margaret Haseltine.)
We must be actively occupied, or there can be little happiness . . . . Let every man be occupied, and occupied in the highest employment of which his nature is capable. -Sydney Smith.
he likes. The Brownie who is pointed at obeys, and is allowed to make the noise three times and if the ringmaster cannot guess it, he stays ringmaster, but if he can, changes places. -A.B.
Brevities.
Brownies at the Walkabout ,
Brown Owls, have you ever had a Nature meeting 7 Tell the Brownies the week before to bring something special for Pow Wow; such as any sign of Spring they can find. Continue on with Nature Games, Handcraft, etc. To make it nicer have it out of doors. The Brownies will love it. Have the Brownies ever Spring-cleaned the Pack cupboard 7 If not, let them one day help you and Tawny. They will find it great fun. Do you possess a Pack Library 7 Get each Brownie to bring a book, number it and put the Brownies name in the book. Let them cover them for handicraft one meeting. Then let Pack Leader and one Brownie run the library. They will do it better than you; the Brownies won't leave their books home more than once.
"What's a Walkabout, Brown Ow17" "Well, the blackfellows sometimes leave their camps and go for a long journey to see things, and they call that a Walkabout, and people will be able to see things from all over Victoria at our Walkabout because the Guides from each part will show the things made near their homes. What sort of things do you think the Guides near Mildura will send?" "Fruit!" "They don't make fruit, it grows." "Well, they have to work hard to make the fruit good, and then dry the grapes to make raisins." "And what will the Guides who live in the North East, where the sheep are, send?" 'Grass, Brown Owl?" "Oh, no. What lives on the grass?" "Sheep-they'll send wool." "Our teacher's got a book about how wool grows on sheep, cotton grows on plants and worms make silk. Did you know that, Brown Owl ?" "Yes, I used keep silkworms once." "What were they like 7" "Little white caterpillars, with black heads." "Urrk! Did you get the silk?" "No, we let the moths eat their way out of cocoons and that spoils the silk. Well, the Guides and Brownies in the sheep country are busy making woollen things, and we've got to decide what we're going to do and in our division we've got the house where the first
Games--Shops. At the end of the room are four chairs with newspapers or kindergarten papers on it, also scissors, each labelled with the name of a shop. Each Brownie in turn runs up and cuts out of paper the shape of something sold in that shop. Each must be different. -A.B.
Circus. One Brownie who is ringmaster stands blindfolded in the middle of the room. The others skip round until he cries "Stop." H~ then points to one child and says, "Make the noise of - - - and mentions any animal
November, 1939.
9
MATILDA
Governor of Victoria lived. Did you know that?" "Yes." "No." "Brown Owl, when the new Governor comes the Tweenies aren't coming to meet him are they?" "Oh, well, I saw the Governor of Richmond one day, he came to our school." "We're talking about our first Governor now. His name was Governor Latrobe, and he and Mrs. Latrobe and their children lived in a house in . Jolimont nearly 100 years ago, and we thought our division might make the first Government House, and make and sell jams and things, like Mrs. Latrobe might have had in her kitchen. Is that a good idea ?" "Oh, yes, Brown Ow!. Can we make jam ?" "You can help. Who can bring lemons, or sugar, Or empty jam jars next week?" "I can bring lots of lemons. My Auntie's got a lemon tree, and she's got a quanga tree too." "Oh, you know, Brown Owl, a quince tree." "I can bring some too, and some sugar." "I can get lots of jars." "And all the money we make will be used for the Guide House and Brownie Cottage." "Are we going to have a Pack Holiday there ?" "We might, some day." "O, o-h!" The next meeting brought lemons in plenty, jars, and bags containing anything from a tablespoon to a pound of sugar; and, after much hand-washing we had a sticky, but thrilling time, without, thanks to a lemon shredder-one cut finger. N ext meeting almost as stickily, and even more satisfactorally, we sampled our efforts. "Isn't our marmalade lovely?" "I'm going to asked my mother to buy some of that butter lemon stuff." "Can I wash up?" "No, the Tweenies are doing that." Then September came and Brown Owl said, talked about the money from the Walkabout and we thought it would be it on ourselves, selfish to spend when there are little children in England who have had to go and stay in the country and who haven't got enough warm clothes and soldiers who'll need medicines and bandages; so we said we'd like to give half to get clothes for the children and half for the Red Cross. Do you think that, too? " "Yes, Brown Ow!."
"And all the Guides can help make the clothes." "Us too?" "I think some of you could knit nice big long scarves, don't you?" "Yes, I can." "So can 1." "Can we go to the Walkabout?" "Yes, get your mothers and aunties to go, too, and we'll go on the "Thursday instead of Pack meeting." "I've got 1/ 6 to spend." "Brown Owl, I'm shouting Betty, 'cos her father's not working." "What that? -a Hospital! Isn't it lovel . Look at the doctors. Here's where the outpatients go." "Is this ours? I didn't think it would be that good. Is our jam here?" "Look at Governor Latrobe and his lady and their little girls." "Are they getting married?" "Oh, dips!" "Brown Owl, who did all this?" "Each division did their own, and the Walkabout Chief looked after everybody and saw that it all fitted in." "Is that a lady? Is she old?" "Not very." "Is she as old as you?" "I think she's a bit older. N ow you can go and look round, but the Tweenies must have a Brownie with them and we'll all meet here at half-past five." "Brown Owl, I've got a bottle of sauce." " We saw the other Brown Owl that we went for a holiday with, and some of the Brownies." "I got a whistle in the dip." "I got a notebook and a pencil and a rubber." "I liked the Chinamen best." t'I liked the Guides having dinner in camp." "Here's your case." "Who's got my bottle of sauce?" "Good-bye; see you next week." Peep, peep, went June's whistle. -H.G.
CHRISTMAS
HANDICRAFT.
Now is the time to geV the Brownies started on their Christmas presents. The following is a useful present for Mother. It is a quaint bag for holding string. You need two pieces of bright cotton material (such as bright green) about 5in. by Bin. and two pieces of black material such as felt, velvet, or just
10
MAT I L D.-\
cotton material. Cut from the black material two cat s, one smaller than the other. Buttonhole the small eat at the top right-hand corner of one piece of the green material. Buttonhole the other cat on the same piece of material at the bottom left-hand corner. Work a nice fat tail on the small cat in black silk. The mother cat's tail is made by dipping about 4in. of the ,end of .a ball of string in black ink. The string is placed in the bag, when it is made up, and a hole ma de where the eat's tail should be. A sholt length of string i~ then drawn through. Place a bow of scarlet baby ribbon on the necks of both cats, and embroider the following words in block letters with a simple stem stitch. "Don't pull my tail; pull mother's," in the top left-hand corner with the cats. When all the working is completed, join the two pieces of green material up the sides and the base. Cut the two top corners off, leaving Hin. straight. Hem the cut sides neatly. Secure two small bone rings about the size of two shilling piece. Sew these to each of the Hin. pieces at the top of the bag , to hang the bag up by. -L.N.
BROOCH POLISHER. Get a piece of chamois leather. (Y ou can buy this at Cole's quite cheaply). Cut a round of it any size you like and blanket stitch it evenly all round with coloured D.M .C., a s this gives it a finished look. Then cut out another round the same size as the first of flannel or something equally good fOl' putting rretal polish on; this may or may not require blanket-stitching. Sew the two rounds together at one place and fini sh with a bow of sam~
USEFUL PEG BAG.
November, 1939. line ,and it saves endless stooping. water-proof and very roomy.
It is also -M.E.H .
- - - - :0 : - - - -
BROWNI E AFTERNOON -
at-
"Lauriston," 20 Huntingtower Road, Malvern, S.E.3.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11th. 2.45 p .m . to 5 p .m. Admission-6d. for Brownies and Owls. This includes afternoon t ea, but please bring your own mugs. There will be sweets for sale. Games, pea-nut hunts, etc., will be held. If it is wet, there will be a hall available to us. Huntingtower Road runs between Malver n Road and High Street, so the Malvern Road, Glenferrie Road, or High Street trams would take you to within reach of "Lauriston." The Armada le Station is also near. PROCEEDS.-There was an error in last month's Matilda. The proceeds are NOT for the Red Cross-they are for THE GUIDE FUND FOR CHILDREN FROM EV ACUATED AREAS'. Miss Joan Alston, 5 Struan Street, S.E.2, would like to hear from you as soon as possible as to whether your Pack is coming and if so, how many.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS. November 11th-Brownie Af te rn oon a t Lauriston, 2A5-5 p ,m. Novembe r 18th -Hange rs Conf er e n ce a t Union Hoase, LJn ivel'sity of Melbou r n e. November 24 th-An n ual Meeting Girl Guides' AYsociatio n. Victoria, a t t h e Gui de Office, at 3 p,m, Novem ber 30th-St. Andrew's D ay. Decembe r 1st- Th inkin g D ay Card Compe tition c lose;;.
- - - - : 0 :-------
The material required t o make a gay antI useful peg bag are three-quarters of a yard of gay striped canvas, 12in. wide, a small piece of bias binding, and an ordinary coat-hanger. Fold the material in two. In the centre front portion make a slit about 5in. deep and bind neatly with bias binding. Top sew along the top edge. It is then easy to insert the coat-hanger along the top, pushing the wire handle through the top edge. This bag can be slipped along the clothes ¡
ADVENTURING. Ou r con gratuhtions go to Sou t h Aus tra lia on th!¡ jJronuctio n of their own Guide Magazin e"AI]v('nturing." It comnl' i ~es pages for Rang e rs , Gu id es, B row ni es, e tc" togeth e r with fasci n "lting illu Rt J"alio ns , T he w h ol e is t y ped on cr~ am p::tpe l' togeth er wi th a la rge illustration of a C uide wi t h the word "Ad venturin g" on th e cover. Good lu ck to the Ad venturing a nd may s he pros per.
November, 1939.
11
MATILDA
PRESTON DISTRICT NEWS. Members of the Guidons bave formed themselves into a Red Cross Unit, and have given up their meeting night fOl' an indifinite time for lectures and demonstration work, Several of our Local Association mcmbers are a lso attending, On Satul'day, September 16th, was the District Guide Sports, and four companies com peted, Altbough the day was very dull the Guides entered into the sports with great spirit; each company intent on winning the cup pl'esented by Mrs, Hann, a member of the L,A, During the afternoon some very exciting events took place and after a gTeat struggle 1st Preston won the cup, 5th Preston being the runners up, The District Scouts held their sports in conjunction with us and this added to the excitement. :rite committee for the Guide Tennis Club are working very hard to raise the necessary funds needed to finish the tennis court being built beside our hall, this will be used only by the Guiders, Guidons, Rangers, Guides and Brownies and the fees per annum will be 10/ for the seniors and 5/- for the juniors, Several successful f unctions have been beld in the form of picture nights, a dance, and card evenings, On October 19th, Mrs, D, Ross and Mrs, Burland arranged a tennis tournament and thanks to their fine management and the help of the other ladies; over ÂŁ5 was raised during the day, Anotbel' effort was made by Mr, and Mrs, Angwin, who ran a card party for the club, a nd this effort bronght in ÂŁ3, The tennis committee al'e very grateful to these ladies who have come forward to help and have given theil' services as we know they are very busy people themse lves, The 4th Preston Brownie Pack gave th eir retit'ing Brown Owl a "Bathroom Tea," several of the parent were present including the President of the Local Association, Mrs, Howe, During the afternoon each of the Brownies gave Brown Owl their own small present, Aftel'noon tea was sel'ved by the parents, At a later date members of the L ,A, Guidons, Guiders gave Miss Smith an evening at th e Guide Hall, and Miss Ross our District Commissioner, after thanking Mi s Smith for her fine services as a Guider or the D istrict, gave her a silver teapot, sugar basin and jug as a wedding present on behalf of aU those present,
On her wedding day the Brownies rOJ'med a Guard of Honour and were very proud of theil' formel' Brown Owl. Members of the 4th Preston Company are working very hard doing their First Class test and the services of Mr, Morris have been obtaine\l to teach them swimming and life saving during the season, Last Saturday, 21st October, 19 members of the Guidons gave the children at Janefield a party, This took the place of their annual bit,thday, 'which is held about this time every year, During the afternoon Miss Ross enrolled two mOl'e Guides, After a very thrilling contest in the final of the Divisionfll Basket Ball. Preston defeated Alphington, Alphington challenged and then they in tu rn defeated Preston, So 1st A l phington now win the shie ld for the Division, Preston Rangers a lso won the sports held during October for the Metropolitan Rangers, ----:0:----
DIVISION AL NEWS. After a very exciting final bctween 1st AJphington and 1st Preston on 30th September, 1st Preston won the match, The game was full of thrills and excitement and both teams played their best, At the e nd of the four quarters they were level in their scol'es so an ext ra two quartel's were played and 1st Preston won by one goal. As 1st Alphington went through the season undefeated they chall enged, and the match was played last Saturday, and after a grue lling match 1st Alphington won the match, Congratu lations are extended to them for the fair manner in which they have played every game du";ng the season, Also for winning the shield which will be presented to them at a n evening which will be ananged as soon as possible, The convenor has a rranged a picture night to be held in the Regent City on November 20th (Monday night), to help the funds as they a l'e at pl'esent very small. As I would lik e to see tbis competition continued amongst the Guides every sea 'on only starting earlier next year, I thought a little extra in the way of funds would be appreciated, Each company who has taken part in the competition this season will be sent some ticlwts and it is hoped that they will do their best to sell them, We have been promised a good show, N, B. LEWIS, Convenor, 40 'ewcastJe Street Preston, N,lS.
12
MATILDA
November, 1939.
THE SIGN POST Editor: Elizabeth Alfred.
THE SPORTSMAN'S PRAYER. Dear Lord, in the battle that goes on through life. I ask but a field that is fair, A chance that iR equal with all in the life, The courage to do and to dare; And if I should win, let it be by the code, With my faith and my honour held high; and if
I should lose, let me stand by the road, And cheer aR the winners go by. Lord, teach me to conquer, if conquer I can, Having shown my worth in the fray; But if I should lose, let me lose like a man And not like a cowal'd, I pray. Let me say "There they ride" on whom honoUl"S bestowed, Since they played the game better than I; Let me stand, with a smile, by the side of the road, And cheer as the winners go by. -From "The Indian Guide." ------:O:~------
PATROL LEADERS' TRAINING. 2. Preparing For Camp. For their training evening this month, the 1st Merriville Leaders had asked for help in showing the Guides in their patrols things that they would need to Imow when they were going to camp. They arrived early and had the room ready when the two Guiders appeared. Captain had a rucsac on her back and on her shoulder she was carrying a "sausage." "Well," she said. "that feels good," I feel as though I was in camp already." She put down the "sausage" and took off the rUCSRC; Olive immediately picked it up. "Golly," she said, "Do you really get everything in to that Captain? I borro\\ ed my brother's once and everything was an awful
mess and it wasn't very comfortable, I had a clothe!lbru h Rticking right into the middle of my back." There was a burst of laughter from the others, and Captain said "r thought we would talk about kit first to-night, because when yoU go to camp you must take the most suitable kit, and it is absolutely necessary for you to know how to pack it and look after it when you get there, because if you don't you will get into the most awful muddle. Now, sUPPof ing you wanted to pack everything you were to take to camp, except two blankets and your groundsheet into a rucsac this size, what would be the best way to go about it?" No one spoke for a moment, and Margar('t said "Ha.ve small things." "And what if you take sixes?" askell UJiv ,¡ "You can't wear shoes thai do not fit y ou." "No, but you can h.ave everything else as small as you can, can't you Captain? Lieutenant was showing me her little torch on Saturday and all those sort of things could be small." "There is something just as important as having things small," said Lieutenant, who had the Ranger Campcraft Badge. "In fact, it is more important because everyone can't go off and buy new things, you have to collect them one at a time." "Have light things" su ggested Alice. "That is just the same as small th ings?" said Lieutenant, "You have to save up for them and whenever you get a new thing have it as small and light as you can ." Captain spoke "Have a poke at this rucsac of mine and see if you have any other suggestions." They all poked . . . It was tightly packed and quite firm. "I know," said Olive, "Don't waste ..sr,ace an i don't have any lumps sticking out ir~!u your back." "That is the idea," said Captain. "Have evel'ything as small and light a you can, but even if you have to take big things at first', pack them in as tightly as ever you can; now we'll unpack."
November, 1939.
13
MATILDA
They sat down in a circle on the floor. Captain opened the flap of the rucsac and undid the cord which gathered up the top. Inside were a number of coloured bags of thin cotton material all tightly filled. At the top was an oilsilk sponge bag, rather knobbly, then oue after another the bags came out and lastly two pieces of cardboard the sizp. of the back of the rucsac, fixed together with two elas tic bands; this contained a clean overall and packed as it was, it could not crush. There was another [ malleI' gadget like this and it co ntained two ties. Everything else was in bags. At the bottom were h eavy things, spare shoes in a striped bag, shoe polish in a red bag, s tockings in a brown bag, change of underwear pink, pyjamas blue, woollen sweater dark blue. Knives and forks were in a wallet made of cotton material, plates were in a flat bag, and Captain's mug. the only article not in a bag, had the end of a long narrow hag tucked into it to save space. Lieutenant showed them how to fold and roll a garment very tightly to the size of the bag that belonged to it. 'vVhen everyth ing was out Captain said "See what you can do about packing it again." So they set to work putting the heavy things at the bottom, and the soft things at th e back, squeezing and pushing' the articles into place, so that there wasn't an inch to spare. This was not done at the first try, several things had to go in and out of the rucsac, before it was packed satisfacto ril y. "You see the idea of the bags. don't you?" said Captain. "Yes, they are marvellous for packing," said Alice. "And do you think they would be a help when you were in camp, supposing you had to get something out of your pack in a hurry?" "Oh! they would be simply marvellous," cried Olive, "You 'd be able to get whatever you wanted without m essing up everything looking for it." "Good," said Captain. "No~, I'll show you how to roll you blankets." She proceeded to unroll the "sausage." It consisted of two blankets rolled up in a groundsheet. and it made a tightly rolled sausag'e about 30 inches and 8 inches thick. "If you carryall your things in your rucsac on your back, and your bedding on your shoulder, you can be quite independent and carryall your own kit," she said. "I've brought along a pattei'll for a rucsac that is quite easy to make, all you want is a yard and a quarter of navy blue drill or some strong material and some webbing for shoulder straps. If you like I can show you how to make them waterproof. You can ask your Patrol if they want to make their own-it is
much cheaper !l;nd more exciting than buying them." "Oh! Captain, what a thrilL" cried Alice, "we can make them all the same and work our emblem on them." "Are we going to make pack racks too, Captain," asked Margaret. "Yes, Lieutenant is going to s how yon how to make one now." "Are you really Lieutenant?" "Yes, we are to make it outside in the light on the porch. Did you bring the forked sticks I told you about last week." "Yes, Lieutenant." "Well, off you go and get them." 'i'here was a wide scamper for the door . . . -E.E.M. - - - - :0: - - - -
WARRANTS AND REGISTRATIONS. DIST RI CT COMMISSIO NER S. Camberwell South- Mi ss D. Holtz, 25 Grange Road, E.4. Curlwaa- Mrs. Page. Walkers Settlement, Curlwaa. Euroa- Miss J. Sanger, Akoonah, EUl'oa. Geelong-- Miss D. Gillett, Warenda, Ceres. Heidelberg and Ivanhoe--Miss N. Maling, 35 Waldemar Road, N.22. Rutherg len- Mrs. D. C. Farran, Reid Street, RutherI<len . . Warrnambool- Mrs. R. Angus, 214 Koroit Street, Wal'l'nalnbool. DISTR ICT SECR ETAR Y, Tel'anjl- Miss G. Bradshaw, Yaralla, Terang'.
1st 3rd 1st 1st 1st
CAPTAINS. North ]<' itzroy-Miss O. Cairns. Kew- Miss S. Summons. Poowong- Miss G. Adkins. Redcliffs-Mrs . Moriere. Trafalgar-Miss A. Guy.
Croydon
District Ran gers-Miss J.
Alogy le.
LIEUTENANTS. 3rd Colac--Miss F. Clutterbuck. 1st Curlwaa-Miss A. Cumming. 1st Dandenong- Miss M. Brumley. 14th Gee~ong-Miss O. Smith. 1st Hampton- Miss G. Black and Miss P. Upton, 1st Horsham- Miss J . Jones. 1st Kerang- Miss J. Rumble. 5th St. Kilda- Miss D. Kent. BR OWN OWLS. 4th Caulfield-Mrs. Moriso n. 1st Dandenong- Miss A. Sneddon. TAWNY OWLS. 3rd Cau lfield- Miss J. Murdoch. 1st Hamilton- Miss M. Hutchins. 4th St. Kilda- Miss E. Joseph,
1st Essendon.
P ACK.
COMPANIES. 1st Nagambie. 1st Redcliffs. 1st Ultima. 10th V ictorian Posts. RA NGER COMP ANIES. 2nd Caulfield . 5th Victorian Posts.
November, 1939.
M AT I LD A
14
THE RANGERS' PAGE Acting Editor-F. E. BATTEN. Go forth to seek; The qualTY neve'r found Is still a fevel· to the q't/,estin g hOtt'nd 'l'he skyline or a prcnnisc-not a bound.
pennant for 1939 to the Preston Rangers at the Ranger Conference to be held on the 18th November. BETTY NEWEY, Convenor.
-------000'-------
-------000,-------
SPRINGTIME IS HIKING TIME.
CITIZENSHIP.
The Victorian Tourist Bureau has compiled a free booklet entitled "Planned Hikes," including maps and directions for hiking over a great variety of routes varying in time from 2-3 hours to a week. They include Sevill e to Killara, Wandin to Mt. Evelyn, Whittlesea to Yan Yean, Clematis to Belgrave, Beaconsfield to Officer, Yarra Glen to Christmas Hill and others. In many cases the hike could if necessary be shortened to comply with that section of the Ranger Test, which requires a Ranger to be ab le to follow a map for three miles in unknown country. F.E.B.
-------000,- -----REPORT OF METROPOLITAN RANGER SPORTS. The Combined Metropolitan Ranger Sports were held at the hockey field Of the University on 7th October. Unfortunately, we had a very wet afternoon, but the Rangers were not afraid of the rain and carried on as usual. Ten companies entered for the events which ('onsisted of ball games, flat races, novelty I·aces and hike-tent pitching. The hike-tent pitching was a new idea, but unfortunately there were only three entries for this. We hope more companies will enter next year. The Preston company was successful in gaining the most points. Congratula.tions Preston. Other points scored were as follows: Preston 48t, 1st; Box Hill, 47; S1. Kilda District, 38~; S.R.S. Invincible, 35; Brighton District, 31; 1st East Melbourne, 23; 1st East Malvern, 20; 1st Melbourne, 19; Northcote. 8; and Richmond, 3. We shall be very pleased to present the
Discussions During Miss Martin's Training. (1) Ask Ranger~ to write a definition of Citizenship. (2) Then ask them to \'.Tile it in. say, 10 or 2\) words. This hel\js to fim] the e",,, ential (.ualities. (3) Good health is part of our duty as citizens. Discu~s: Aim at "radiant health"-whu ·· is it ? (4) Compare buildings with lovely [ae,H1es but cheaper back. with beautiful old cathedrals and their finished workmanship. Is it that nowadays we do not build "to last?" Does it matter whether the inside seams of garments are neat or not? Discussion: Which matters more-a hole in the toe of your stocking, or in the heel? (5) "Sticking to a thing." Are we unreliable? "The daily round, the common task ' 'Viii furnish all we need to ask." Is this right? Discuss. (6) Service for others. Discuss difference be· tween duty and service. Try to make a definition of both words. Is volunteering "lS a blood donor duty or s ervice? Does service for Rangers mean doing a job that someone puts into your hand, or does it involve going out and looking to see what needs doing in the world? (7) The fourth Guide Law and international goodwill . The international spirit begins in the hom e. We meet intolerance everywhere-it is difficult to keep the peace at home. but that is where it must start. Then we must see the point of view of our immediate neighbours. Experiment: Try this for a week! Discussion: can we separate people from governments? What would have happened jf the whole British Empire had disarmed? There is much that is wrong in our country that we must help now to put right. War is the result of British capitalism to a large extent. 'vVhile there are slums here. we cannot judge other countries. National political squabbles are a disgrace. Discussion: "What would be worse than war?"
November, 1939.
15
MATILDA
"Discussion crystallises oue's own deeper thoughts, even if no gen~ral conclusion can be reached." ---:0:
N.S.W. RANGER MOOT.
As the Guide representative on the committef I would welcome suggestions as to possible pro visional Hostels. -J. U. BOYES. - - - - :0:
EQUI? MENT NOTES. Memories of the Hanger Moot in N.S.W. were awakened recently when a letter came from Miss Meek saying that as the finaJ 9.ccounts showed a profit the Ranger Committee had decided to give a refund to Interstate Rangel' visitors. Those Rangers who had the pleasure of the trip may remember h earing that the Sydney Rangers have bee n working hard to ge~ a central clubroom in the metropolitan area. This goal is now almost a reality and some of the N.S.W. party fecI it would bp, a happy thought if we were to o~(el' our refunds as a contribution. Miss Meek did not know for certain what the 9.mount would be but exppcted it to be about two or three shillings each. I would be gLd to heal' from anyone who feels strongly either for or against this proposal. -J. U. BOYES. ----:0:
YOUTH HOSTELS. One shilling a night is all that is charged t( stay at a Youth Hostel. This represents lI.\!com· modation in a dormitory, washing and cooking f9.cili'.ies, and the use of a common room. "Members of certain organisations, such ae Scouts and Guides who bring their owl1 tent$ may be enrolled as members for a limited period and may camp at certain Hoste ls upon payment of a nominal fee." All this is of tremendous interest to Hangers widening as it does th e possibilities for week end hiking. A provisional committee has been wOI'king OI! a scheme to get a chain of hostels right through Victoria and plans were ready to begin building the first at \Voori Yallock when war broke out It was realised at once th'lt money would be 3 big problem and so a re-ol'g9.nisation has taker. p lace. The Committee is now going in to thf possibilities of arranging for simple and chear accommodation at existing boarding houses, 01 altering dis-used buildings and other scheme! that will enable the association to beign working as soon as possible. To raise the necessal'y fundF to do this worl{ cards have bel'n issued represent ing contributions of 1, 2, and 5 shillings respec · tively. Any Rangers or Ranger Companies who are interested, and feel they ('an dispose of somf of these should apply to the Hon. Sec., D. L McKean, Box 2495 G.P.O.
1940 DIARY.-We expect lhe diaries to be ready near the b cginning' of November, at the usu9.l price:::-l / 3 with p enci I, 1/ - without pencil. The letterpress has been I'e vised, and th~ volume will be more than usually interes ting. Encourage your Guides to own one. EMERGENCY.- \Ve are doing OUI' utmost to keep stocks up to usual levels, so that we need not disappoint QUI' customel'S, but in several items of equipment there is a pos:;ib:lity that we shall find great difficulty in rent'w:ng stocks. We shall have to practise the eighth Law rather hard oUI'selves in that case, and we ask you to help to make the best of a bad job. However, there Ls time yet before we need to worry! MONEY ORDERS.-Our nearest Money Ordel' and Post Office is a few doors down in Market Street, and we shower blessings on the heads of the country Guiders who rem 0mber this when making out Money Ordcl·s. Wc don't mind much if you make the m out to Collins Street, but if you just put Melbourne it means a special trip ~ hrough the crowds to the G.P.O., and waiting in a queue.
LETTERS. ETC.-While on this subject, we should like to suggest that you make out Money Orders, Postal Notes and Cheques to Girl Guides' Association, and not to individual members of the "'taff. The latter practise may cause delay. The same applies to the addressing of letters. Those addressed to Girl Guides Association, or Guide Equipment Depot, can be dealt with at once, whereas if you address them to a person, who does not h::Lppen to bp in the office that day, or is on holiday, they risk being :.;ent on as personal correspondence, And-would you please remembel' to put the name of your Company or Pack. as well as your signature and address, when sending orders from the country? PACKING RETURNS -The only other "wail" we have is that goods return ed to us are often !::o badly packed that when they reach us we cannot put them b::Lcl{ into stock fOl' I'e-sale. Naturally we cannot credit you with the full amount if we are not likely to be able to sell them again, so we ~ hould appreciate your gl'eat care in this mattel'. CLARA BROADHURST, ComP.1issioncr for Equipment,
MAT I L D A
16
November, 1939,
CAMPING and TRAINING Summer Training Week For Guiders. There are still vacancies for the proposed Training Week at the Guide.> House next summer. Dates: 27th December, 1939, to 4th Janual'y, 1940. Guider-in-charge Miss Hoffmeyer. This Training will be held if there are sufficient appli cations to warrant it. Commissioners are asked to note that country Guiders who al'e tl'aining by correspondence will be given special help if they are able to attend. The programme will consist of general Guide and Brownie training and any specia l subjects that may be asked for. All Guiders should attend a tmining week every few years to bring themselves up to date and get new ideas. The fee will be 30/ -. Fares from Melbournl' (if six or more are travelling together) 5/9 return rail and 1/ 3 return bus from Vve~ burn. Applications s hould be made as soon as possible to Miss E . Alfred, Training Week Secretary, Girl Guide Office. 60 Market Street, Melbourne, C.l. Deposit 5/- and rail fare 5/9 (if desired) should be forwarded with application. Deposits will not be refunded if withdrawal is made after 13th December, 1939. Guidl'rs who have not previously been nominated for training should ~end a nomination form signed by the District Commissioner.
H.Q. SUMMER CAMPS. Guiders' Campcraft Training. 27th December to 3rd Janual¡Y. Fee 22/6 to 30/ - according to numbel' of apl1licants. Guider-in-charge, Miss C. Broadhu rst. Guiders nominated by Commissioners may be tested for the Camper's Licence. See last Matilda for further information! There are still vacancies for this camp. Are you a good bus hcrafter? can you look after yourself in the open? Can you prepare your kit so that it is as light as possible, down to the last ounce? Your Guides will expect you to show them! Come to the Guiders' Campcraft training', you will enjoy it! For applications and fares see below.
Ranger Camp. 26th December to 2nd January. Fee 22 / 6. Guider-in-charge Miss Barfus. Training in 'Pfoneer and Campcraft Badges. There are still vacancies. Captains' signature to be scnt with applications. Fares: Melbourne to Wesburn return; '0/9 if six or more 'are' travelling together
(under sixteen 3/10). Bus retUl'1l \Vesburn 1/ 3. Applications, accompanied by a depos it of 5/- for each camper and 5/9 for rail ticket if desired, should be Hent as soon as possible to Miss V. Harrison, Hon. Camping Sec., 126 High Street, Glen Iris, S.E.6.
Camps For Patrol Leaders and Guides. Applications c losed for these on 16th October and there is already a waiting list, s o no further applications can be considered. Last year the camping Committee arranged to hold two Gu ide amps at the Guide House, but there were so many applications that it was decided to hold six camps instead of two, and they were all vel'y large. Afterwards it was felt, for many reasons, to be inadvisable to an'ange so many large camps again this year. Two camps were therefore planned, with certain requirements for applicants, and some explanation seems to be needed. Two years ago, when a questionnaire was circulated among GUiders, one of the questions concerned the average age of Guides leaving the Company, either to go on to Rangers or not. The answers showed that the majority of Guides left at the ages of 15 ot' 16. Therefore the age limit for the Guide and Patrol Leader Camps was fixed as 15 years on 1st J a nuary, 1940, so that those attending would be returning to their companies for a year, and not leaving, or passing on to Rangers, at once. In a small Company camp-the idea l place to start camping-where the Guide", know everyone including Captain. and have theil' 'place in the Patrol. they are starting in the natural way and it does not matter how young or "new" they are. But very young or very "new" Guides have not absorbed Guiding sufficiently to be ab le to gain the utmost from taking part in a big mixed camp. It was therefore agreed that this year's camps should be open to those who have sufficient Guiding background to absorb and enjoy everything that camping expel'ience can give, and who will be going back to the company for at least one year to pass on the thrill of camping and something of what they learn, to the other Guides. For the Guide camp we had almost sufficient applications to fill three camps! It would appear, however, that the majority of Patrol Leaders are fifteen or sixteen years of age, as there were not sufficient applications to warrant holding a camp composed entirely of P.L.'s. It has now bl'en decided to make up the numbers for
l
November, 1939.
17
MATILDA
the P.L.'s Camp with Guides, and to hold a camp for Patrol Leaders during the year, with alterations to the age limit.
N.S.W. Guiders' Campcraft Training. An invitation has been received from Miss Smith, Commissioner for Camping, N .S.W. for Victorian Commissioners and Guiders who are in N.S.W. in the summer to attend the Campcraft C9.mp at Jamboroo from 15th to 23rd January. It is hoped to have a special "brushing-up" group for Camper's Licence holders.
Sites Available. "BUNGARRA," OCEAN GROVE.-From 6th to 13th January apply to Miss E. Leigh, Highton, via Geelong. GUIDE HOUSE.-House from 6th .January; cottage from 9th January; upper sit.e from 20th January; lower site from 11th January; site 3, 6th January; site 4, 9th January; site 5, completely free . Apply to Miss Barfus at Headquartel'S.
Open Week-Ends at the Guide House. It has been decided that certain week-ends shall be set aside at the Guide House for any members of the Movement who care to go and stay there. ' There will be a Guider to take charge, and all cooking and work of the house will be done in patrols. Commissioners, Guiders and Rangers may apply singly or in parties, and Guiders (with pel'IDission from the Commissioner) may bring parties of Guides from their companies. The first of these week-ends will be 24th to 26th November; others will be held next year on the 1st and 3rd week-ends of each month beg'inning with February, provided there are enough applications; holiday week-ends such as Eight Hours Day, Easter, King's Birthday, etc., will not be included. The fee from Friday evening to Sunday evening will be 6/- including bus fare from \ÂĽesburn. Part time in proportion. Fare: return from Melbourne, if at least six are travelling together, 5/ 9 adult, 3 / 10 under sixteen. Applications will be accepted in the order that they are received. Deposit of 2/ 6 for each camper, alld railway fare (if ticket desired) must be sent with application. Deposit will not be refunded if withdrawal is made less than one week before the camp. Applicants should state by which train they propose to travel: Friday evening, Saturday morning, mid-day or evening. Apply to the Hon. Camping Secretary, Miss Harrison, 126 High Street, Glen Iris. S.E.6.
-ELAINE MORAN.
LONES Dear Lones,-I would like this-my first chance of greeting you all personally-to take the form of a letter, because it is principally by letters that Lones get in touch with each other. My ambition is some day to meet each one of you, but in the meantime I hope we can keep in touch by this page which I have been promised by the Editor each month. First of all I want to say how thrilled I am that I have been given the Lone Branch to look after. Until about five years ago I lived in various parts of the country, and I know so well how lovely and interesting country life can be. I also understand the difficulties you have; the long distances from each other; the few outings; the lack of friendship and companionship that all come so easily to the town girl. So I know how much the Lone Branch can mean to you, and what a chance I have been given to make it a living and worth-while link with the rest of Guiding. But you must not feel sorry for yourselves because you have not these advantages, because you have so many compensations. The fresh air and healthy out-door life; the interest of Nature; the sereneness that comes with living in natural surroundings. The appreciation of all natural things like birds and animals; the growth of plants and trees; the rejoicing in the sun and rain; the satisfaction in achievement which one sees in the sowing, reaping and harvesting of one's endeavours. All these things are given to those who live closest to Nature, and can never really be understood by the girl whose acquaintance with a growing plant or a singing bird is limited to her own garden. Although at present I will not be able to write to you separately, I do hope that anyone who feels inclined will write to me. Then I can answer you each month through this page, and gradually we can all get to know each other. Do write and tell me anything you want to about your daily life, your outings or your interests. Think of this page as entirely your own and make it your special link with the outside world. Where I lived for so long, near Albury, the aeroplanes used to fly each day over our home between Melbourne and Sydney, and when I heaTd its friendly drone overhead I used to gaze up and wonder if sometimes the passengers looked down and thought about me
MATILDA as they flew by. Sometimes I used to wave a greeting and would feel much nearer and less alone for their passing. So I hope we can f eel this page will be an added link to the Lones. Well as you know this has been an important and exciting month for us all because of the Walkabout. And isn't it a thrill that the very word which has been in everyone's mind for so long belongs to the country and lone spaces from which we come? "Walkabout" s an aborigine word to describe our natives' treks from place to place. So in this way we contributed a very important item to its success. Literally the Lones were put "on the map" at the Town Hall during' that week. The map was large and beautifully made, and we are very much indebted to Miss Thomson for hel" painstaking work in making it. It was very imposing-a gay yellow on a blue ground, and every town from which a contribution towards the stall was sent was located and named. Models were sent by Guides to illustrate the various industries of their centres, so that it was gay with sheep, cows, ears of wheat and bunches of oranges and lemons. There was even a truck made of a match box to show the main method of transport. The map certainly was a triumph and will be cher· ished for future use at any Lone effort. You know too don't you that the Lones had the produce stall, and all the week parcels and mysterious packets were arriving filled with eggs, cream, vegetables, cakes, biscuits, butter, wheat, jams, sauces and pickles. We even had four rabbits ready for cooking, and they were sold within ten minutes of arrival! Potatoes were very scarce, and those we had were snapped up like hot-not hot cakes-potatoes! Miss Bunning who had organised the ar·· langements and managed them so capably had asked everyone to send their goods addressed to her, and we wish to acknowledge gifts from the following:Mary Andrews, Taggerty (the rabbits!) Hetty Bright, Fish Point. Jean Bright, Murchison East. Jean Clark, Werneth. Olive Beckingham, Anglesea. Doris Graham and Dorothy Haeusler, Annuello. Marga ret Engelmann, Torrita. Molly and Betty Masterson, Merino. Hazel Husson, Merino. Loma Haigh, Arcadia. Verna Maben, Toorloo Arm (the famous turnips!)
November, 1939.
Phyllis Lemon, Rutherglen. Violet Symons, Glenroy. H. McLachlan, Barwon Heads. Leila Fuzzard, Lalalty. Mary Marshall. Mary Westlake, Kerang. - - - - - Box 31, Mathoura. Elsie Wilson, Barnawartha. Mrs. Willis, Yarram. Enid Jenvey, Springhurst. Olive Johr.son, Wandin North. What a marvellous list! There were also several packets without names of the senders so we regret we cannot acknowledge them, though we were grateful for their contents. Mary Marshall's parcel had a series of adventures. She addressed it to Miss Bunning's home address instead of care of the Walkabout, and it sat uncfaimed at the Kew parcels office until Saturday evening, when Miss Bunning, after searching enquiries to the Chief of Transport, suddenly had an inspiration and dashed off to the Kew railway station. The parcels office was on the point of closing for the week-end when she rescued it. And didn't we get a thrill at its contents! Six lbs. of butter, 6 dozen eggs, two lovely fruit cakes and a huge tin of biscuits. Once more our stall was stocked. I might say that by Thursday evening we had completely sold out, excepting for a few tired lettuces, a cabbage, one carrot which had somehow come adrift from its bunch and two turnips. We were feeling very depressed and suggested shutting our doors. However, Miss Broadhurst scouted round the Hall and collected a few donations from other stalls, and Miss Demaine gave us a darts board and some oddments as prizes. Immediately we took on a new lease of life, and the darts were so popular that sometimes we had a queue waiting to play! We wore out our darts and bought more, and . people became so expert e lat several times we ran out of prizes and had to beg more from any stall that was kindhearted enough to supply us. Then Mary's parcel arrived and on Saturday evening our stall was the envy of everyone. The fireman who stood on duty rearby conglatulated us, saying, "Your stall beats them all to-night." All the same we had to do some quick work to sell everything, so another time Mary, take particular note of the address you are given when sending. Have you heard that we made the magnificent sum of £24/ 7/ 6? This was wonderful considering . our most expensive items were the cakes, for produce alas is very cheap
80r:'.B, b.~ -1.€; tllC\..1gh tOill?I'rc1N
[, I" -" .ilV .B'l/V::
·vli il}
::t
illE\Kr"
arp":'-
~e E0J -~~rc.';1:·9
~ee:
£·9Gj:),
t!J..9 fie(J C2:·C:-ss. :.'~:lli ~·o n;'S'.ke :,.:'_1' i~~ J:. ~), C ~ :-{'le~:~-: ~ L
t:;
~r':,' __
p~G~d cf the fine~-~8' ~ef~_A vibl.~h s.r::.cttn-~ v'i:;'2~1 hB~~.p tc =:; ~
t.::. fp
i~· . .1,l- ~~~2S'=
I'.
~'~
InBt3rj:::.J~
__ "':,:·he :::J. i]
~
a c't ryaITl
IT:..Cr:..tilS c-P s;:"e'2.r·2:i . . . n;
~·he~;e
J.::-'-:,F:T e1JL
a=d
1
se\:~,
l.~:e t....: e o!~lP t·y ~r'lC'J:"ds 0 ~=' l~smc:'r_ts.rBd_ 1;:)13. llio.};~l~p.g qr
:
07a~. ,~iJiT"
~iC:7
eYiC
c1.:~:·9.~-:
2.'1:~
·~·~:~rl:'r;r
v;t:()'". ~ \"3.~':
f;"-'""ill
~
.
t l
--"-'
.
r
~
~e. ::.~_,.
'. , ,~::
'3£ ., < J t L';
r'
<. •
tl e .S:"~·3 a 0 f ~~ J:) ~I :-r t ~?::~~-~t
C':I
~~.l
e i'J.c
.;:
:-;:;,:r~; "F~ r~ J,.. ~:..
::
t)
......r. . \.~~ ...
;..~. ~ _~
-~~c
C~e
r~ ~ -:->~-~Rr1 '" _......
.:r'(l2.\.,.~ ...-·..\:.~,_
-~.~~)
\~·. .l~.. ~:e2':
0:" ;l\JO:rhw.f~ ~~sr bu~
E~~p
,
b.2.:l~~_c:nc,f'~ :~.::;_ g
"
1- r~'--~a '\ .1.. ~;,.
. i<)
No~1d
(,
"~,
qT~iC~~3~
.~~.t~. ~ 0:'~? _·9 ~ 2.. -:- i ';-J.
~
C\;~_~~
!':-i:;, t1r ri ~;--':'
~~sn ~~ ~e ; r"•• ,:::::! _ .., ...C'" .., --.; ..!-_ 1,:.,- r'~ ·-J.t.J..
'Cf
2~le
~o
~
\..0 _ _ ....
"\ ~::--le~l g:'6£:!iI.. t . ~. 2- t 9::'[::.. "11,.,. t ~~,{",~~ \;~.V ~:::. vVV,5 :;e-' :'1~
~~
V~:;a
0~
ev~~y
~
- .~...... ~. -t~ ~~ ,._-."..:: -'-.~ .....~"'l-! -::"')~, _ __ V -' •1 1 ..., 0I!.t3 !'BC".,S-:"" ~~ t-::t<B \\'(~E.(:- ("ff a:\,lt.t:,~ '}~ . . . :2_~."'s f.:1. r !. msr:;::;.ers C-r -_.}"~.I\- !~.ss:-r~') .. -~ ~r.:.~; ..' ;..t= -:;.~~~"'Cl'" ;?
_____
~
........... ',"
v.:...;. -:;
slJ D\1\t -_~. f.:.. !"J. J VI :1 ~,\ ~::. ~l "'/1.3 C ::1-'::' St~ lr-.-c ~l aTIl .sec 2-l.!. 114t-
: r' -:~ gST.!. t.' ,;." 21. ~j,. c: -" -: 'j
-~'.-
.-.
-
1 in.:
,..
.~\
~ ~~1'2
'l
~ 1':
"y? Y'~:
-ro.
~
-
~l(:: -':-"
. ~~I.oo . C E'
- ~ ("'-P'
:4 __ 5 ~~' ) ..:'.}7" S :.':....'t
~; .3 -:: :. -. :::Z~
,~
", r --:. ;. -:, _:" _"': :3 --:-;, r:l
I~'~"'- n -~
,.E
,-
r .:.;:::J_':",.I
~_ -~_ .0:, -,':
-=. .p..c. :-:
I....
~";:." ~
~ '-;- -:.: \/'2_ . . r YoI': ,0'
-
_.:::,
_
r:~ 1;~~. 1:1';;:'~: -:" ~r ..:1 T:/'J. Y E ~: i -'~'}r ?"f ;; ,.."a set-:~~-. . .jg·-,.·2-.;:.G . ."\~-Tert::'V~b ·re,~....J. 1
t'h
:
;;a
Irt~ l f'~
'~-,r-g.lJ:~~·_· .
O
1-
~·a~
.-.
,-
l_i t:.~
c()r"..'bl.'...:-"1
r-
......
(,
·~l j'~J_'~~{_:"'_(~, ~.:'.:es ).~oc. ~1.1~
1 i rlS f':r CtCt]_~::
a:lte:"9;~.
ceo,
cr:l
t'~le
1:..(:'-,-
f~~·:-~"~ ':;l~~
S" R:.
~") l:"1- -
~/:::,-',rr':s
-:r:7J
5.::3.: Pl:,
"'.r F ..
~~~:'~C:-~;j~C-o. ~~l1'~~~·
_r
J ~ "~.:
~)". t
10
~
r; ,.~
.;"ip.:-
::-·\;6;::-!._.~. ; . . . .~~_,~.)~ :jr:.
~::.t-_ _
s; ;~; ·':tl € T"'l
__ 1
~~-
-r>_~p
1_
...
.... :" --.\.
T
1. \(
i
,
"
2 F~Oill
-n
a
~
till
l~
p m
a into
ell
caDS--~D.':··
end onl m.u~h
A )7.' ~~: sec-: i. ,11 sacl i 2ft Qr
members
:!lom 9 ...,.mad ~
wh:.l per
~
ti:o local
0:: (!
C""UH <
0.1- -. . 'Y T
d3C->iqt ... o~s·
was the fl.yer, whet.6 the ettraot've afternoon ve s; d. by n.etrop Iltan mel'lber ~ one to aefTay the other v
~~()
to l
T
November, 1939.
MATILDA
everywhere and we could only charge the market prices. We who ran the stall are extremely grateful for your gifts and your interest and we are sure that you will be thrilled as we are with our contribution towards the Walkabout's substantial success. In concluding this letter I want to remind you that we will be on the paper (not "on the air") in Matilda each month, and I invite you all cordially to write and make yourselves known to me by means of the opportunities this page will afford us. Sincerely yours, M. R. FAIRBAIRN. Commissioner for Lones.
HORACE. Horace v,as at the bottom of it all-Horace and the Commissioner. First of all the ComnllSSlOner had a Grand Idea, then she found Horace. The Guider learned what to do with Horace's wheel and pedals and things-and now the little Guide Badge is twinkling away in many piaces whe:e it never twinkled before. Nagambie was Horace's first field of operations. The Company was in action there, but a little feebly, with slightly bewildered, new Guiders. Now we have enrolled the Guides, and the Guiders ieel better; Brownies will dance soon, and the Local Association is feeling its feet. An exciting sidelight is that Horace's second occupant has since become a l"onunissioner in Melbourne. Seymour's Captain was ready for her warlant, and another night all the Guiders, new and old, from the surrour.ding districts came together and a merry Divisional Training and l!;nrolment took place. The Local Association had held a meeting in the afternoon, and sent us all away, warmed with supper, into the cold night. >:>tL'..:th Creek and Yal'ck were two completely new districts, where Guiders were .ou ..d and spent days of intensive training and testing. In each place meetings have now been held; just a few children, with shining eJes, wanting to know, "what do you have to do to be Guides?" Yea has held its first Brownie Enrolment, where the Pack very sweetly thanked its Mothers for their uniforms and presented them with flowers, a~ter giving the Grand
19
Howl. Guiders wele found for the Company ami .t has begun meetings after a rather long recess. Mansfield district is busy again. At Bonme Doon w:;.s .ound a Guide ot five years' standing, ready and willing to pass 0.1 to uthers some of the fun and i. spiration that she herself had received from her old Company. St.ange to say, her old Captain, from anotHer distnct, happened to be there to take a hand in the final polishing 01 her. Maindample, a tiny place nearby, will have a patrol attached to this Company. Broadford was visited, and Enrolments tcok p;ace; also a Grand Fair, co.. c1ucted bj Guides and Local Association, in connection with the Walkabout. Broadford has a new CommisSlOner, too. Avenel was another meeting place for Guides and Local Association and grand supper, all in a dim, mysterious light. Two old Guides are now baining to start the Pack there. This was all the resut of three thrilling months for the Guider-and Horace and tne Commissioner were at the bottom of it all. M.H.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Minutes of Meetings of the Executive Committee, held at the Guide Office on 5th October, 1939. l're:;ent: Lady Chauvel, Mrs. Edmondson, Mrs. Littlejohn, Mrs. Orr, Mrs. Tate, Misses Broadhurst, Coles, Cameron, lJascelles, Purnell, Hwinburne and the Secretary. Agreed: That a vote of thanks be passed to Miss Broadhurst and the 'Valkabout Committee [01' all their work in connection with the Walkabout. That the proceeds of the 'Walkabout be divided on the basis of one-third to the Red Cross Society and two-thirds to the Guide War Appeal. That from the 'W alkabout proceeds credit of ÂŁ20 in material be allotted to each division, the material to be applied for by 1st November'. That the Guide House be let to other organisations and to schools provided it was not required by members of the Association. That St. Catherine's School be allowed the use of the Houf<e and Cottage for week-end 3rd-6th November. That tht' plan submitted by the National Safety Council for members of the Association
Printed by the Hilton Press Ltd., 223-25 Moray Street, South Melbourne, S.C.5.
20
MATILDA
to help with emergency night l:Lndingfl of aeroplanes be circulated amongst country districts. That Miss M. E. Bush be asked to be an hon. life member of the ExecutivE Committee. Reported: That the followin;;- clothing and material had been distributed :-510 tacked sets, 58 pain; pyjamas, 1,000 yds. material, 11 roUs material, 149 lb. vest wool, wool for 410 jumpers. Th:J.t clothing sent abroad should be distributed amongst childl'en from evacuated areas. !toutine and financial business 'was discussed. -So H. IRVING, Stale Secretary. Prescnt: Lady Chauvel, Mrs. Ebeling, Mrs. Edmondson, Mrs. Orr, Misses Broadhurst, Boyes, Cameron, L:.tscelles, l\Ioran, PUl'n ell , and the Secretar~·.
Agreed: Th:1t the balance sheet for the "'alkabout. showing a profit of £920/19/-1 be accepted. Thal the annual meeting of the Association be held at the Guide Ottice on 24th November, when the Stat e President, Lady Dugan, would be present. That Miss Sheila MacLeod and the Secretary rcpre"en l the A ~soci:J.tion at the Child\Velfare Conference on 21st October. That ~1iss Purnell. Miss Swinburne, and Mrs. Tate form a sub-committee to draft the annual I'eport. 'I'hat the rota for retirement from the Executive Committee should be revised and placed in alphabetical order. That Mrs. Charles Bennett and Miss Margaret Moore be asl<ed to represent the Association at the Allnual Armistice Service of the British exService Legion. Repol·tpd: That, owing to the war. the New Zealand Camp had been cancelled. That two cases of clothing were de~'patched on 12th October, and contained 115 complete sets (ski Its, jumpers, bloomers). 60 pairs pyjamas, singlets. socks, Fcarves, berets, etc, That shipments would be made weekly in fulure. That 800 Ibs. \\'001 had been distributed and 6,000 yards nannel cut out. 'l'h'lt the Lord Mayor had promised £10 for every £90 given to the appeal published in the "Herald." Th~t, .. hrough the Lord ~layor, the firm of Latoof and Calli I had generously offered to cut out all garments by machinf' floutine and financial business was diRcuRsed. -So H. IRYIXG,
State Secl·etary.
November, 1939.
~:~~~~l i
I
i i
Official Canvas Goods House to the Girl Guides' Association. Special Ooncessions oft List Prices To all Girl Guide Organisations Write for Particulars to Your Headquarters, or Direct to Us. TENTS and FLYS, CAMPING GOODS, RUGS, CAMP BEDS, SLEEPING BAGS,
GROUNDSHEETS, FLAGS, TRAVEL WATERPROOFS, MATTRESSES.
SPORT I NG GOO D S We have arranged to allow Concessions on all Sporting Goods. • Write to us for Our List, Prices and ,_ Particulars. Tennis, Golt, Cricket, Baseball, B asketball and Indoor Games.
I
SUP P ORT THE FIItlf WHO SUPPORT YOU
t
L_j_~~~_~_~~"
I
THE MUTUAL STORE
~.
,
features Keen Valut's from the Special
Girls' D octor Flannel SCHOOL BLAZERS
The ideal Blazel' tor School or College wear. Super quality Ductqr Flanne) in Navy. Finish- 2 1 ed with Silk Hibbon Binding. S].Jec ially Priced
_
I! I!
COLLEGE WEAR DEPT.
Tailored Fuji Silk SIHRT BLOUSES.
i
'-Ii
20in. to 27in., 7/11; 30in. to 33in., 8/6; 36in. to 39in., 8/11; 42iu. to 45in., 9/11.
J
i I;'
THE MUTUALM.STORE I bo ur n e
Fl i" "".,.54-. e.. . L
ItrtA I
Teo
...o ~~_ "_ ~~ I _ tl _~ (_~''-'